District track action begins

Seth Staskey

sstaskey@timesleaderonline.com

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The quest for the Ohio State Track and Field Championship Meet began for Division III thinclads Tuesday evening.

The opening round of the Division III Eastern District Championship was held — for the most part — under ideal conditions at Red Devil Stadium at St. Clairsville High School.

Finals in a handful of field events as well as the 4×8 preceeded the qualifying runs in the other races. The remainder of the regional field will be determined Friday when the meet concludes, beginning at 4 p.m. and 5, respectively.

The Bellaire girls produced the lone area district champion thus far on the female side.

Junior Michaela Flaherty soared over 5-feet to win the high jump based on tiebreakers over Shadyside freshman Brinley Steen. Both advance to next week’s competition at Massillon Perry High School.

The Tigers’ 4×8 team also punched its ticket to the regional. The squad of Haylee Gregan, Cali Weber, Jadelyn Smerczysnki and Katie James posted an 11:08.93.

Toronto’s Isabella Irwin also advanced in the high jump. She was third at 5-feet.

The girls’ pole vault was originally scheduled for Tuesday, but due to weather, which included a near, 40-minute delay, the competition was halted and will resume on Friday.

Steubenville Central’s boys picked up a district championship in the 4×8. The team of Colin Brown Patrick Kuebler, Carlin Long and Joe Rohde posted an 8:40.74.

Barnesville’s boys will be sending their 4×8 team to the regional level. The squad of Lucas Rogers, Ryan Lucas, Sam Wehr and Justin Lucas posted a 8:51.88 to claim third place.

Shadyside’s Dale Hawthorne continued his impressive season in the pole vault. The junior soared over 13-6 to earn a silver medal and spot in next week’s meet.

Along with the 4×8 team, Steubenville CC’s Vince Olver is moving on in the discus. He twirled the platter to a mark of 140-ft-10 to take second.

Division II schools begin their quest for the OHSAA state meet on Thursday at Meadowbrook.